Next Section: Introduction

The Dark Blue Compact Dwarf Galaxy NGCá 2915

Gerhardt R. Meurer
The Johns Hopkins University
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Baltimore, MD 21218 U.S.A.
meurer@pha.jhu.edu

Abstract:

Recent results on NGCá 2915, the first blue compact dwarf galaxy to have its mass distribution modeled, are summarized. NGCá 2915 is shown to have HI well beyond its detected optical extent. Its rotation curve is well determined and fit with maximum disk mass models. The dark matter halo dominates the mass distribution at nearly all radii, and has a very dense core compared to normal galaxies. High mass star formation energizes the HI in the center of the galaxy, but appears to be maintained in virial equilibrium with the dark matter halo. The implications of these results are briefly discussed.

Keywords: galaxies: individual: NGCá 2915 - galaxies: kinematics and dynamics - dark matter

á© Copyright Astronomical Society of Australia 1997